Hey everyone,

Since we are almost done with senior research projects, I though it would be a good idea to share the importance and the benefits my research and other research projects similar to mine can have on people with TKA infections.

TKA infections, also generalized as periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) continue to affect patients, result in accelerated mortality, and consume approximately $1 billion of annual healthcare resources. A PJI can lead to a more surgeries, longer hospital stays, having to reside in nursing facilities, and more physical therapy. This can all become very costly for a person. While there is no known way to prevent PJI's from occurring, the next best thing is to diagnose an infection as soon as possible. An early diagnosis allows a surgeon to take action fast, and hopefully get rid of the infection before it grows into a more complicated one. Even if an infection is left untreated for a few weeks, the bacteria will adhere to the metal of the implant and form a biofilm. Once this biofilm has formed, the only good treatment option is the removal of the implant, insertion of antibiotic materials into the joint area, and then after many weeks, insert a new implant. This requires at least two additional surgeries from the primary replacement surgery imposing heavy financial and emotional tolls on the patient. Because diagnosing an infected knee replacement can be difficult, finding certain physical symptoms that are often accompanied by an infection or certain diseases that increase the chance of infection, may help physicians diagnose an infection earlier.

Komal